ZAMBIA’S High Commissioner to India Judith Kapijimpanga says derogatory remarks by National Democratic Congress consultant Chishimba Kambwili against a worker believed to be of Indian origin puts Zambians living abroad at risk.
Mrs Kapijimpanga said Mr Kambwili’s outburst threatens the lives of Zambians working in India and other foreign countries because they could decide to retaliate.
This follows a video circulating on social media in which Mr Kambwili is seen making derogative statements to an Asian man driving a road construction compactor at the Lusaka decongestion project on Kafue road.
While pointing at the man, Mr Kambwili says: “I am not laughing. It’s not a joke. How can you come in our country… Zambians have no jobs. Go back to your country. Foolish.”
This has dismayed Mrs Kapijimpanga as this is unexpected of a former minister, especially one that was once in charge of Foreign Affairs.
This is contained in a statement released yesterday by first secretary for press at the Zambian High Commission in India Bangwe Naviley.
“Mr Kambwili, as former Minister of Foreign Affairs, should understand that his words are derogative in the eyes of the international community,” she said.
Mrs Kapijimpanga said Mr Kambwili is a wrong person to attack any foreign national working in Zambia, especially that the Luanshya legislator’s wife works in the United Kingdom.
She said Zambians are not racists by nature because the country has had political leaders of different nationalities.
Mrs Kapijimpanga cited former Vice-President Guy Scott, who is of British origin and served in various capacities in government, former Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Dipak Patel and Suresh Desai, who are both of Indian origin.
She urged Mr Kambwili to always endeavour to follow the complaints procedure whenever he has labour-related concerns.
And the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) has condemned Mr Kambwili for uttering racist remarks against the Indian.
“As a leader, Mr Kambwili should know that it is a crime for leaders to show hatred,” YALI director of governance and legal advisor Isaac Mwanza said.
Mr Mwanza urged Mr Kambwili to apologise to the Indian community in the country because Zambians do not have a history of xenophobia.